Please keep in mind this is the first time I have ever incorporated potterwatch into any of my stories so if I got anything a little off let me know.

This is the first Fred/Hermione one shot I haveever written and I am in love with it. I love the pair so I hope you feel I do them just. Hope you enjoy! Anyway here we go…

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Christmas One Shot #3Couple: Fred Weasley and Hermione Granger Song: It’s Not Christmas without You by Katharine McPheeSummary: Christmas is here once again but this one is so much different than any that lay before because Hermione is away from those she loves. Fred’s stuck in hiding worried about his brother, friend and girlfriend who is hunting horcruxes. Will Christmas ever go back to normal?

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“Now it’s Christmas and you’re so far away. On this Christmas I just wish you had stayed and I wonder if you’re thinking of me today. I don’t know what I’ll do, it’s not Christmas without you.”

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Nothing is merry about this Christmas; rather it’s turning out to be very bleak, scary and heartbreaking. The changing times have called for changes in personality and all around me people are just shadows of who they once were. It’s as though going into hiding suddenly allowed everyone, even myself, to awaken to the reality of the war that is brewing right outside our door.

Even George and myself were much more serious, which no one ever believed would happen; but we’re still the ones who cheer everyone up. The main reason I’ve grown more serious is because out there, Merlin knows where, is the love of my life and there is no way for me to find out if she’s okay or where she is. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t find myself going mad with these questions inside my head. The whole family is literally becoming sick with worry as we wonder about the wellbeing of our brother and his friends, including Hermione. More than anything I want to be able to look right into Ron’s eyes, see he’s okay and then pull my girl into my arms where she’ll stay forever. And if, God forbid, I never hold her alive in my arms again I will not rest until I know exactly what her fate was.

“They’re going to come home, Gred.” A voice identical to my own spoke and I turned to see my twin brother standing there, looking at me with worry in his eyes.

I smiled tightly, sadly. “I hope you’re right, Forge. I really do.”

“Of course I’m right! Besides being better looking, I’m also smarter than you dear brother.” I smiled lightly at his attempt to cheer up the slightest. “Come on, Lee said we should do Potterwatch tonight, send her a message; we know Ron took the radio so she may be listening.”

I looked up at my brother, considering his words for a moment before slowly nodding. On numerous occasions I had sent Hermione messages, reminding her that she is loved and that I miss her so this seemed like the best idea. Standing up I followed him and before long we were sat down and George had started the regular broadcast. Unfortunately we still had to report on the war so George rattled off the list of those dead, missing, captured and of the death eaters who have been killed and so forth. I hated sending people even more bad news, especially on Christmas.

“Now folks, before we sign off my other half wants to say something special to hopefully brighten up your holiday. Maybe his bright little witch will even hear.”

And that was my cue. “This time of the year is supposed to be a time for us all to be reminded of why and how much we love those around us. Even though this year may not be the ideal setting for this let’s all still do that. I know the world is changing and I know that there is horror at your doorsteps but just take a moment to think about those you love. If you’re one of the lucky few who is standing amongst those who mean the world to you; be sure to hug them tight today.

If you, like myself, find yourself miles and miles away from the one you love don’t give up hope, not just yet. This will all be worth it in the end, I promise you that so don’t you dare give up hope. So, to my girl, wherever you are…I say this: I love and miss you every day but I am so very proud of you. I’m counting down the days until I hold you again. Merry Christmas, love.”

“Well folks this has been another Potterwatch. Keep messing with those dials, the next password will be snitch. Merry Christmas and keep your loved ones close.”

With that George signed us off and gently patted my shoulder. “Merry Christmas, Freddie.”

“Merry Christmas, Georgie.” I mumbled back still finding myself lost in thought, lost in thoughts that all revolve around her.

“Next Christmas will be better, happier.” He promised slowly but with a small smile. “You and Granger will be together and all this, plus a victory, will be behind us.”

“This Christmas all I wanted this year. On this Christmas was for you to be near.”

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(Hermione’s POV)

“I cannot believe that just happened.” Harry muttered out, running a hand through his hair as I turned to face him after finishing the protection charms.

“Harry stop fretting over it. We’re both fine and its time to move on, stop thinking about it because it won’t change anything.” I sighed softly as I walked toward my best friend.

“This has been a shitty Christmas.” He declared and I nodded my head as I sat beside him, placing my head on his shoulder.

“Do you think Fred said anything about me on Pottewatch tonight?” I whispered out, trying to stop the tears from falling. I know it made me sound pathetic but I lived for those moments I would hear Fred’s voice over the radio, calling out.

“Probably reminded you how much he loves you and wishes you two were together.” Harry spoke softly, his arm wrapping around my shoulder. “It’s harder than you thought it would be, isn’t it? Being so far away from him.”

“Yeah and I’m sure you feel the same way about Gin.” He slowly nodded his head, looking out into the empty forest. “But just remember they both understand why we’re doing this. They know we have to do this. No matter how much we all miss each other.”

“At least you got to hear Fred’s voice for a while.” He said in recognition that Ron took the radio with him. His tone was broken and sad though. “I’d give anything just to hear her voice and know she’s okay.”

“I’m sure she’s fine, Harry. We have to keep positive as hard as it is. Everything will turn out to be alright.” I promised him, not completely believing myself right now either.

Harry seemed much stronger than I did though as he replied: “It will be.” His tone was firm and serious as he looked down at me. “Next Christmas you and Fred will be together; so will Ginny and I and the war will be done.”

“I don’t wanna wake up.” Fred Weasley softly groaned in my ear as he held me tighter and closer to him. I have been trying to wiggle out of his grip for the past five minutes and he simply was not having it.

“Come on, it’s Christmas!” I challenged with a pout but quickly wiped it away when I saw his eyes were closed. “And I want to spend today with you!”

“And that can include spending the morning cuddling in bed.” He argued back and placed a kiss on my forehead when I stopped struggling and snuggled closer to him, allowing myself to get lost in my thoughts; thoughts I hate going too but cannot avoid.

“Do you remember where we were this time last year?” I questioned in a whisper as I bit my lip softly.

“Yes,” He answered slowly and I turned my head to see his blue eyes staring back at me, confused. “But why are you thinking about that? It’s in the past, love.”

“I know. I was just thinking about everything that led us here. So much happened in such a short span of time. You almost didn’t make it.”

“Yeah but I did, Mione and I wish you would stop worrying and thinking about that.” He said, his hands rubbing gently against my back now fully awake. “I’m not leaving you, love.”

“I know,” I whispered back with a small smile on my lips. “I love you, Fred Weasley, just thought I’d let you know.”

He grinned back. “I love you too.” After his declaration he leaned down and gently kissed my lips. “Now let’s get some breakfast and open some presents before we have to go to the Burrow.” He decided as he sat up in bed, pulling away from me.

I stared at him curiously. “What happened to spending the morning in bed together?”

He turned to me and pouted. “Come on Mione it’s Christmas and I want to spend it with you!” He said mocking me which only caused me to giggle before I stood from the bed and followed him out of the room. As we made our way to the kitchen, he wrapped his arms around my waist tightly and pulled me close; I couldn’t help but be thankful that he was still standing beside me.